Corvus - 'Chasing Miracles'

posted 12 May 2015, 14:53 by Paul Woodward

(Lynchburg
Records)

Review
by Woody

I had heard a couple of demos by Birmingham
AOR’ster’s Corvus before and while I was intrigued about hearing there album I
wasn’t fully prepared for what I was about to hear. I thought nice little local
band writing and recording my style of music it’ll be a pleasant enough spin
but instead I’m instantly levelled by what a catchy as hell pure AOR album
‘Chasing Miracles’ is, which easily shows up some of the big boy’s of the
genre’s releases in recent years. Corvus to me come across as the British
version of Work Of Art, whilst remaining quintessentially British they do show
off their American and Scandinavian influences.

‘Chasing Miracles’ is from start to finish an instant
and enjoyable rollercoaster of catchy as hell songs that get you cranking the
volume and dancing along. To be honest, catchy as hell is a massive
understatement, this album has had a lot of time and love spent on it in all
departments and trust me no hook is left unused and it shows in abundance on
every single track!

Another startling thing is the supreme level of
musicianship shown throughout the band, for most the names here will be unknown
but there sure as shit don’t play like nobodies. Guitarist John Clews is
probably the best known for his time with Serpentine and the guitar work across
the entire album is phenomenal. I’m not one for guitar histrionics but Clews
has an uncanny ear for the melodic and slips in some awesome fret board work
into these songs which only increases their appeal. I’m not one for
instrumental’s either but I absolutely adore ‘Retribution’ which actually
reminds me of Gerhard Pilcher’s instrumentals with Melodica.

Lead singer Ciaran James has a really cool deep tone
and this brings out a great vibe in the flow of the songs. Even in AOR circles
Keyboardists seem to remain the un sung heroes of many an amazing song and I
have to highlight Nick Jeavon’s playing here, he doesn’t play fluff and filler
his wonderfully adventurous and varied keyboard licks enhance the feel good
factor of all these already smile inducing songs. Lyrically as well there is
some great uplifting and positive messages in there – this album will be
getting some serious airplay this summer!

These guys are a real revelation and all pure AOR
fans really should prepare themselves for the feel good record of the year.
This album is so uplifting you may find yourself floating away as you listen,
sing along, find yourself involuntarily dancing and smiling like a Cheshire
cat. I can’t wait for these guys to explode onto the scene and hopefully hit
the road!

Track
Listing: All I Need / Can’t Get Enough / Chasing Miracles /
How Long / Turn To Stone / Can’t Stop Falling / When You Love Someone / Believe
/ Truth Or Lies / Retribution / Face The World / Where Do We Run / Don’t Let
The Sun